Post Listing Update: This GS did not meet reserve despite 12 bids up to $9,900 on eBay in Seattle, Washington.
Hindsight has shown that the introduction of the GS model line was one of the best things BMW did for their Motorrad business. But at the press launch in 1980, journalists (and the public) shared a general sentiment of “what’s the point of a large, heavy dual-purpose bike?” Modern cynics still have the same complaint as the bike seems to grow a bit with every generation, but riders now see the point of a bike that you can take on the highway for hours and still feel OK when you get to the start of your off-road exploration.
21,864 examples of the R80GS were sold before BMW upped displacement to one liter and created the R100. The airhead 797.5cc engine produced 50 horsepower and 41 pound-feet of torque, good for a top speed of 104 miles per hour. Gaston Rahier won the Paris-Dakar rally a few times with a (heavily modified, obviously) R80GS and adventure riders around the world noticed. BMW responded by offering optional extras like a 8.5 gallon fuel tank, bigger battery, and solo seat/rear rack to help with long distance traveling. For more on the R80G/S and how it was initially received by the press, check out this story on Cycle World.
The chassis of this bike has 8,962 miles, though the motor that was installed back in 2006 has approximately 25,000 on it – it’s a R100 unit with a later transmission (upgraded syncros, no kick starter). It has both the stock ank and the P-D tank. The seller says that he’s only put 30 miles on it since 2006, though he’s recently had the tank and front fender repainted. It also has a Dyna III electronic ignition and a Supertrapp exhaust. The heads were drilled and machined to accept dual plugs, which have been installed but not wired.
Find this GS for sale in Seattle, Washington with bidding up to $3,150 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay.